The committee members debated the application at some length. A motion was tabled to continue the application until the outcome of the Dart Energy Planning Appeal was known, but this was eventually voted against and the application was approved by 5 votes to 4.

In her objection letter to Falkirk Council, submitted on behalf of both CCoF and Shieldhill & California Community Council, Maria Montinaro had written:

"The first commercial production of CBM in the UK is the subject of a Public Inquiry to be decided imminently. If the concerns raised by Concerned Communities of Falkirk (representing over 2500 local residents, 33 farmers, 9 Falkirk Community Councils & West Fife Coastal Villages Community Councils Forum representing 18 Fife Coastal Villages) and indeed Falkirk and Stirling Councils (both having refused the application) are upheld by the Reporters and the applicant’s appeal is refused then the commercial production of unconventional gas in the Falkirk area may be in question. We therefore respectfully request Falkirk Council refuse this application, protecting the site from industrial encroachment in accordance with the Development Plan and the duty placed on the Council through the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009."